Carol Purcell

In January of this year I attended a Writer’s Conference, where I heard over and over that the book, The Shackis great.   It was given grandiose ackolades all the way from entertaining, well-written to awesomely inspiring. 

At the conference, my ‘poor pitiful’ side emerged and I did feel myself a tiny bit jealous of all those compliments.  However, I bought the book.  I put it on the bookshelf at home–oh well, I might read it some day–I was politically correct, I bought the book.  Until a week ago.  I heard about it from so many sources I was forced to read it, to find out what the fuss was all about–then couldn’t put it down.

I enjoyed the conference, learned a lot, spent a lot of time asking myself “why I didn’t do this and why I didn’t do that” in my own writing.  I have never thought myself a literary genius or even a good writer.  But, I do have a heart and passion to share the things of God with the whole world.  And, when I put my relationship, my knowledge and/or experiences with Him, or that of others in a book, I know it is good.  I am not looking for prizes or rewards, writing is its’ own reward!  I sincerely want to improve;  represent Him well; and write in a way that reaches the hearts of my readers to give them hope, help and faith.

I said all that to say this.  “That is exactly what The Shack does!”  It gives help, hope and faith in a way that I have never been able to do.  The story draws you into the story line in  such a way, that you are glued to the book and seduced to read each page–as you wipe away the tears, so that you can see to read the next page.

The Shack is a fiction book (I say ‘fiction’ but I have to snicker here because it contains more truth–in my opinion–than most non-fiction books covering the same subjects). 

I was cautioned ahead of time that the beginning of the book is sad, and I am grateful for that warning.  William Young reveals the details so well, you have to remind yourself it is a story, not to be caught up in the tragedy of it.  The gripping, tense part of the book, builds the foundation for the rest of the story.  Sissies like me might want to just ’skim’ some of those details, and give full attention–repeated attention–to the rest of the book.

Someone said, “Everyone gets something different from The Shack.”  I am sure that is true.  For me, it confirmed what I already believe, with a new and fresh revelation of the character and nature of God.  I gave my copy to a friend, who came to visit,  before I finished the last two chapters.  Went out the next day, bought two more copies, raced home and finished the book! 

I am mailing the other copy to my son in Colorado.  If the funds were available I would buy one and send it to everyone I know.  Well, instead I am sending my wholehearted, enthusiastic endorsement and encouragement to everyone to purchase a copy, read it and feel the joy released in its’ pages.

For those who do not have access to a book store, you can go to www.theshackbook.com

All of life is wrapped up in what we believe about God.  What is our purpose and how can we possibly relate to the Creator of the Universe.  The Shackis a wonderful stepping stone to understanding God even in the face of the ultimate reality of His supremacy and majesty, sovereignty in all things! 

I see the Family of God: Father, Son and Holy Spirit as having many facets like beautiful cut jewels.  They have so many glorious facets we can never count or see them all while playing in these earth suits.  The Shack covers only a couple of these precious facets, but extremely important ones. 

The book screams the question:  Is God good, real, personal and intimate with His created children?  Some find the answers unpalitable (according to some comments on the  Internet).  I am so grieved for those individuals and for God who has inspired so many to reveal His true character and nature, such as William Paul Young, author of The Shack. 

Jesus invites us to answer the door as He knocks to come in and sup with us.  (Rev 3:20) I am inviting all who want to dine on even more of His love and goodness, to read             The Shack!